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8 July 2025
Carbon County Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Mika, age 44, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 3, 2025, to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., for one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Mika previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Mika possessed over one pound of methamphetamine, several pounds of marijuana, drug packaging materials, over $22,000 in cash, and several firearms, that were found in his home in Lansford, during the execution of a search warrant by members of the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, as well as other investigators on September 6, 2024.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, the Lehighton Borough Police Department, the Nesquehoning Police Department, the Lansford Police Department, the Franklin Township Police Department, and the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiate that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Canadian Man and Costa Rican Woman Plead Guilty to Illegal EntryRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 13, 2025, Joshua Ian Fudge, 30, a citizen of Canada, and his wife Karen Melissa Rodriguez Valverde, 24, a citizen of Costa Rica, both pled guilty to criminal complaints charging them, with illegally entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities, and were sentenced to time-served. They each faced a maximum prison term of 6 months.
According to court records, at approximately 2:55 p.m. on June 12, 2025, electronic surveillance spotted two individuals with backpacks on “Pee Wee’s” bridge in Canaan, Vermont. “Pee Wee’s” bridge is approximately 150 feet from the U.S./Canada border and is commonly used to illegally cross into the United States. U.S. Border Patrol agents made contact with the individuals less than five minutes after the electronic surveillance alert. Fudge and Rodriguez Valverde provided identification to Border Patrol agents that confirmed that Fudge was a Canadian citizen and that Rodriguez Valverde was a citizen of Costa Rica who was a lawful permanent resident of Canada. Following a review of immigration records for Fudge and Rodriguez Valverde, Border Patrol agents discovered that on November 4, 2024, Fudge was deemed inadmissible and denied access to the United States at Newark International Airport after he stated to agents during pre-entry questioning that he had previously traveled to New Jersey to work with Rodriguez Valverde’s father and had been paid for that work. Fudge did not possess an immigrant visa that allowed him to work in the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the efforts of the United States Border Patrol and United States Customs and Border Protection.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner. Fudge was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq. Rodriguez Valverde is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
California Bay Area CEO Sentenced for Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A California man was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for a decade-long scheme to avoid paying over employment taxes to the IRS.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: John Comeau, of Santa Clara, was the CEO of Vivid Inc., a company that provided metal coating services to industrial customers in California and elsewhere. Vivid Inc. employed as many as 40 employees at any given time.
Comeau was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees and then paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year.
From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2019, Vivid Inc. paid its employee a total of over $8.8 million in wages. During this period, Comeau collected and withheld taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees but did not pay over all the taxes owed to the IRS. He also caused false quarterly employment tax returns to be filed with the IRS, underreporting Vivid’s wages by more than $5 million.
To conceal his scheme, Comeau caused accurate tax forms to be issued to certain employees. These tax forms reported higher wages than the amounts Vivid had reported to the IRS. Comeau also issued tax forms, such as Wage and Tax Statement, Form W-2, to other Vivid employees that underreported their wages. When an employer underreports wages paid to their employees, it may negatively impact those employees’ Social Security benefits, as those forms are used by the Social Security Administration to compute benefits owed to an employee.
Instead of paying his taxes, Comeau used some of the funds to maintain a comfortable lifestyle that included a $3 million home and luxury cars.
In total, Comeau caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $1.1 million.
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts for the Northern District of California ordered Comeau to serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,153,948 in restitution to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilham Hosseini for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.
Body Armor Company Owner Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Vall Iliev, 70, of Stow, Ohio, has been sentenced to 63 months (5.25 years) in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Donald C. Nugent after he pleaded guilty in March to smuggling foreign-made body armor and then selling it to law enforcement agencies and other members of the public as legitimate, domestically-made certified products. Iliev was additionally ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Judge Nugent also ordered him to pay approximately $5.2 million in restitution.
According to court documents and testimony, in May 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the Blaine, Washington port of entry (POE) intercepted a Canadian-registered truck found to be carrying more than 200 ballistic body armor plates in boxes originating from China. The plates were hidden using a technique known as “Master Carton Smuggling,” which is typically used in attempts to evade detection by POE officials. The pre-packaged boxes were concealed within a larger shipping container and pre-addressed to be delivered to Iliev’s home or his businesses, Vallmar Studios and ShotStop, in Stow.
Vallmar Studios was used as a warehouse to process the armor before being sold to law enforcement agencies and the general public through the ShotStop website. The armor was touted as American made and marked with labels as being certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, which has published performance standards for ballistic-resistant police body armor for more than 50 years. Manufacturers and distributors are permitted to use the NIJ trademarked symbol if the products meet established standards for protection.
However, inspectors who examined the body armor found that none of the items from the Chinese manufacturers qualified to be NIJ-certified because approved manufacturers are only located within the United States. Federal investigators discovered that NIJ-certified and American-made labels on the armor were affixed to the products after arriving from China but before they were sold by ShotStop. Although the company’s advertising claimed that the products were NIJ-certified and made in Stow, Ohio, investigators learned that neither the Vallmar Studios nor the ShotStop facilities were equipped to manufacture body armor.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cleveland Office alongside the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Duncan T. Brown for the Northern District of Ohio.
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Aug. 11, 2026
Restitution update:
The canvass for victims to join the restitution list for the criminal case closed and the order of restitution to that class is final.
As of earlier this year, both the state and federal civil cases have also been resolved and orders for restitution have been entered by the court.
Boca Raton Resident Pleads Guilty to Insider TradingRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Boca Raton resident pled guilty today in the Southern District of Florida to securities fraud based on an insider trading scheme that netted over $420,000.
According to court documents, during a July 4th gathering in 2020, Charles Lawrence Baugh, Sr. (“Baugh”), 60, learned of a pending partnership between Google LLC and ADT Inc. (“ADT”). Baugh also learned that Google LLC would be making a substantial investment in ADT. At the time, ADT’s shares were publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
A close family member who occupied a senior role at ADT revealed the pending partnership and investment to Baugh. Baugh knew that the news was material, non-public information and that he had a duty to keep the information confidential. Nonetheless, in violation of that duty, Baugh proceeded to purchase in trading accounts he controlled approximately 1,000 ADT call options and 800 ADT shares. Baugh began purchasing the securities on July 6, 2020—the first trading day after the July 4th holiday.
In addition to trading in his own accounts, Baugh traded in ADT securities in the accounts of at least two other family members and convinced two additional family members to buy ADT securities, all while news of the partnership and investment was non-public.
On August 3, 2020, news of the partnership and investment became public. ADT’s share price increased over 50%. Baugh sold all 1,000 call options, netting over $314,000.
As part of his guilty plea, Baugh agreed to forfeit $316,044, all the proceeds from the scheme he personally received.
Baugh’s sentencing will take place before Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks at a later date.
U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, who previously sued and settled with Baugh.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
This is the fifth insider trading conviction in 2025 secured by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and the FBI Miami Field Office. Convictions were previously obtained in United States v. Federico Nannini et al., 24-20398-CR, and United States v. Stephen George, 25-60011-CR.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-80089.
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Birmingham Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham tax preparer has been sentenced for preparing false tax returns for clients, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Blackburn sentenced Geta Barr to 18 months in prison. In February 2025, Barr pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent tax return.
According to the plea agreement, Barr was the owner Maxi Tax Resource, LLC, a tax preparation business in Birmingham. Of the approximately 900 returns that Barr prepared for tax years 2017, 2018, and 2019, 96% claimed refunds. Barr prepared false tax returns for at least 14 different clients between tax years 2016 and 2020. During this time, Barr included false Schedule Cs reporting losses for fabricated businesses, as well as false itemized deductions and standard deductions. This fraudulent conduct resulted in a total tax loss to the IRS of over $300,000.
The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan S. Rummage the case.
7 July 2025
Wake County Felon Sentenced to over Six Years after Posting a Video Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Diamonique Shawn Newton, age 33, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Newton pled guilty to the charge on March 24, 2025.
According to court records and evidence presented at sentencing, in February 2024, officers with the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) investigated Newton after they saw he had posted pictures of himself on his Facebook page possessing a firearm. RPD was aware of Newton’s felon status and inability to possess a firearm. The investigation culminated on February 26, 2024, when Newton streamed a live Facebook video of himself pointing a gun at the camera multiple times. Based on the investigation, on February 29, RPD obtained and executed a search warrant for Newton’s Raleigh home. During the search, RPD found two firearms, one of which was stolen, over 180 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Newton admitted that the stolen firearm was his and that he had bought it off the street.
Newton has a criminal history that spans almost two decades and includes two felony convictions for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana from 2011 and 2018. Newton was also previously convicted of attempted possession of a firearm by a felon in 2013.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaren Kelly and Kimberly Dixon prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00074-D-RJ.
Virginia Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen MoneyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Joshua Sneed, 35, of Bluefield, Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $120,322.10 in restitution for possession of stolen money.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 15, 2024, Sneed was employed as a title clerk for an automotive sales and service business in Bluefield, West Virginia, when a customer purchased a 2008 Bentley Continental for $37,761. The cash was deposited in the business’s safe. On March 27, 2024, Sneed used his access to the business’ computer system to change the transaction from a cash purchase to a credit card purchase. Sneed admitted that he changed the purchase details to conceal the fact that he did not deposit the $37,761 into the business’s bank account. Sneed further admitted that he took the $37,761 in cash from the business to his residence in Bluefield, Virginia.
On March 27, 2024, Sneed prepared a bank deposit slip for the business for $60,100 and prepared a second deposit slip on April 9, 2024, for $60,222.10. Sneed admitted that he never made either deposit with the bank. Sneed further admitted that he prepared the deposit slips to conceal his theft of money from the business over several months.
On April 9, 2024, Sneed attempted to change the record of the Bentley Continental sale back to a cash purchase from a credit card purchase in the business’s computer system. Sneed found the computer system did not allow him to edit transaction histories for March 2024. On April 15, 2024, Sneed was fired from his position.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-14.
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Virginia Man Convicted of Armed Drug Trafficking by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal jury found a man from Lynchburg, Virginia, guilty of multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ANPP). He was also convicted of possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Derrick O’Brian Hamlett, 32, was a front seat passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Vance County on October 26, 2022. A Vance County detective noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the car and a marijuana grinder in between the front passenger seat and the center console. A search of the vehicle revealed a backpack with a locked section. Hamlett gave law enforcement the code to unlock the section of the backpack. It contained a stolen pistol, a loaded extended magazine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and over 100 dosage units of fentanyl, heroin, and ANPP. It also contained Hamlett’s wallet with his Virginia identification card, social security card, and other documents with his information. Hamlett is a convicted felon and therefore cannot legally possess a firearm.
Hamlett faces a mandatory minimum of five years of imprisonment and a statutory maximum of life imprisonment when sentenced on a later date.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III accepted the verdict. The Vance County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jermaine Sellers and David Beraka prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:24-cr-00043-D-KS.
United States Files False Claim Act Complaint Against Delaware Medical ProviderRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. - Acting United States Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg announced that the United States has filed a civil complaint under the False Claims Act against Dr. Shayasta S. Mufti, a Delaware medical provider, alleging that she caused the submission of false claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic laboratory tests.
In its complaint, the United States alleges that between April 2019 and November 2019, Dr. Mufti referred more than 100 Medicare beneficiaries for medically unnecessary genetic tests that were paid for by Medicare. To be covered by Medicare, a diagnostic laboratory test, including a genetic test, must be ordered by the physician who is treating the beneficiary for a specific medical problem and who uses the results in the management of that problem. The United States alleges that Dr. Mufti had no medical relationship with the beneficiaries she referred for genetic testing, never examined them, and never used the test results to manage their medical conditions. Her referrals were based on brief telemedicine consultations and, in some instances, no consultation at all. The genetic tests that Dr. Mufti ordered often cost thousands of dollars per patient.
“The integrity of our federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, relies on medical providers adhering to professional standards of care and billing accurately for services that are medically necessary for their patients,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “As alleged, Dr. Mufti’s actions violated these critical safeguards, putting taxpayer dollars at risk, draining funds from vital health care programs, and undermining the trust placed in healthcare professionals. We will continue to work tirelessly with our federal partners to hold accountable those who exploit programs designed to help our most vulnerable citizens and ensure that services are provided based on medical need, not financial gain.”
“HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who allegedly participate in fraud schemes driven by greed and apathy for the laws intended to safeguard Medicare funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We are unwavering in our dedication to ensuring the integrity of federal health care programs.”
The investigation and litigation are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob Laksin.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. A copy of the complaint is attached to this press release.
The allegations in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Attachment:
mufti_complaint.pdfUnion City “Ghost Preparer” Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Seeking over $4 Million in COVID-19 Employment Tax CreditsRead the Press Release
Scheme caused IRS to issue over $1.5 million in fraudulent tax refunds
AUGUSTA, GA: A truckdriver who operated a “ghost” tax preparation business on the side in Union City, Georgia, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to executing a mail fraud scheme to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits.
Dantavious Jackson, 39, of Union City, Georgia, pled guilty to mail fraud, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Jackson now faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
As described in the plea agreement, Jackson owned and operated a trucking business in Union City, Georgia. On the side, Jackson also prepared tax forms for others for a fee. Any individual who prepared and assisted in preparing federal tax returns for a fee was required to obtain a preparer identification number (“PTIN”) from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). A paid preparer was required to place his or her PTIN on each tax return he or she prepared for a fee to identify the preparer of that return.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, provided for an employee retention credit (“ERC”), a refundable tax credit, which was designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ERC was claimed by an employer by filing an IRS Form 941, “Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns” (“Forms 941”) with the IRS for the relevant quarter.
Between June 2022 and August 2023, Jackson executed a scheme to defraud the United States by preparing and filing thirty-five IRS Forms 941 for himself and two clients that falsely claimed they were entitled to receive $4,112,297 in tax refunds based on fraudulently claimed ERCs. The Forms 941 Jackson prepared and filed with IRS were false and fraudulent because they listed employees and wages that did not actually exist. Jackson’s use of fake employees and wages to claim ERCs induced the U.S. Treasury to mail $1,567,855 in fraudulent tax refunds to himself and his clients.
Jackson prepared and filed the tax returns as a “ghost preparer,” meaning that he did not identify himself through a PTIN or by any other self-identifying information in the “Paid Preparer Use Only” section on the returns he filed for clients.
“Jackson’s guilty plea serves as a reminder to those who committed fraud on programs under the CARES Act that they will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are still opening cases and investigating those who stole funds that were intended for American workers, families, and small businesses.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns of Fraud Schemes Following Texas FloodsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is on alert for fraudsters seeking to profit off the catastrophic and deadly flooding in Texas.
Millions of people fall victim to scams every year. Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud, occurring at a time when people may be especially vulnerable, or targeting charitable intentions.
Scammers are known to carry out a variety of fraud schemes, targeting those in the in affected communities. These methods include using phone, text, mail, email, and even going door to door to target residents impacted by damaging storms.
If you think you may have been preyed upon, submit a report to the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721 or www.justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.
Learn how you can donate safely and avoid scams at the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Advice webpage.
You can also report disaster related complaints to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). For more information on common charity and disaster fraud schemes, visit FBI.gov/how-we-can-help-you.
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Three More District Men Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl in Trinidad Neighborhood of Northeast WashingtonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro today announced the sentencings of three District men -- Jalonie Hooper, 26, Edward Frizell Williams, Jr., 53, and Dandre Goodwine, 30 -- for their roles in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy that operated an open-air drug market in the Trinidad neighborhood in Northeast Washington D.C.
Goodwine, aka “Dreads,” pleaded guilty March 3 before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base. Judge Boasberg today sentenced Goodwine to 36 months in federal prison and ordered three years of supervised release.
Hooper, aka “JR,” pleaded guilty April 4 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. Judge Boasberg sentenced Hooper on July 1 to 15 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Williams, aka “Pooh,” pleaded guilty March 3 to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, cocaine base, and heroin. Judge Boasberg sentenced Williams on July 1 to 22 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, during the course of the conspiracy, the Trinidad neighborhood crew sold approximately 468 kilograms of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base on and around the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE.
On May 23, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 1657 11th Place, NE, at a stash house where Goodwine was known to frequent. Agents recovered multiple five firearms, digital scales with white residue suspected controlled substance; a false book containing six twists and 27 small twists each containing a white substance suspected to be a controlled substance, and multiple magazines and rounds of various ammunition. Goodwine’s DNA was found on the magazine of a Glock 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun.
On August 12, 2023, at 11 p.m., MPD officers were called to investigate an incident on the 1600 block of V Street, NW and arrested Hooper. Officers found approximately 50 grams of cocaine base on his person.
When law enforcement agents executed the search warrant at the 11th Place stash house, they found Williams outside within arms-length of a .40 caliber handgun. DNA on the firearm connected it to Williams.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The Trinidad trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the Narcotics Enforcement Unit of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty and Daniel Seidel of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by Criminal Division Trial Attorneys Christina Taylor and Gaelin Bernstein.
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Two Mexican Brothers Plead Guilty to Illegally Reentering the CountryRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Juan Hurtado-Solano, 43, and his brother Candido Hurtado-Solano, 39, both pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal reentry by a removed alien. The pleas were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have made enforcing our nation’s immigration laws a top priority, and my office stands ready to fulfill that priority. These charges should be a warning to all illegal aliens that violations of our nation’s immigration laws will not be taken lightly by my office.”
Court documents reflect that both brothers were first encountered by immigration officials in May 2012 following Candido’s arrest for driving under the influence. Both brothers were determined to be in the United States illegally and were removed to Mexico in August 2012. Both brothers illegally re-entered and were removed a second time in September 2012. They were most recently found in the country on May 29, 2025, during the execution of a search warrant at a construction site in Tallahassee.
Both men face up to two years in prison followed by removal from the United States.
The cases involved an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Keen and James A. McCain.
Candido Hurtado-Solano’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2025, at 11:30 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker. Juan Hurtado-Solano’s sentencing has yet to be scheduled but will occur before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Stantec Inc. Agrees to Pay $4M to Resolve Allegations That It Violated the False Claims Act by Submitting False Certifications to the EPA in Grant ApplicationsRead the Press Release
Stantec Inc. (Stantec) a provider of environmental development and engineering services, with its primary headquarters in Alberta, Canada, along with Cardno Consulting LLC (Cardno), a separate company that Stantec acquired in 2021, have agreed to pay $4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting or causing the submission of applications to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Brownfields Assessment Grants that falsely certified compliance with federal procurement regulations.
“Applicants for federal grant funds must comply with applicable procurement requirements” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “The department will hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of the federal grant process by falsely certifying compliance with regulations that are designed to prevent unfair competitive advantage.”
“The EPA’s Brownfields Grant Program aims to help communities around the country transform contaminated sites into community assets,” said Acting EPA Inspector General Nicole Murley. “Fair competition is critical to the integrity of this program, and the EPA Office of Inspector General will vigorously pursue allegations of false certifications to protect both the program and the taxpayer dollars that fund it.”
The EPA Brownfields Grant Program provides grants and technical assistance to cities, towns, and other municipalities to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. The settlement relates to Assessment Grants the EPA awarded from 2014 to 2022. Applicants for EPA Brownfields grants must certify compliance with a requirement that “contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, or invitations for bids must be excluded from competing on those procurements.”
The United States alleged that, from 2014-2022, Stantec, through its subsidiary Stantec Consulting Services Inc., and Cardno drafted or assisted in the drafting of the requests for proposals and statements of work associated with applications for EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants, and then competed for and won the work for which they had drafted the specifications. The United States alleged that this conduct violated the above requirement and that Stantec and Cardno falsely certified, or caused the communities applying for the grants to certify, that they had complied with it.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the EPA’s Office of Inspector General.
The matter was investigated by Trial Attorney Robin Overby of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and Special Agent Brian Scriver of the EPA’s Office of Inspector General.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
South Kingstown Man Indicted for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A South Kingstown man is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, charged by way of a federal indictment for allegedly trafficking cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
The grand jury returned an indictment on July 2, 2025, charging Hector Villa, 40, with distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charging documents alleged that Villa delivered three kilograms of cocaine to another individual on June 3, 2025, while under law enforcement surveillance. He was detained and arrested a short time later. The drugs were seized by law enforcement.
Charging documents reflect that following Villa’s arrest, a court authorized search of a suspected drug stash house in North Providence was conducted. The search resulted in the seizure of a kilogram of cocaine, a firearm, and various items used in the packaging and distribution of narcotics.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie White.
The matter was investigated by members of the Rhode Island DEA Drug Task Force.
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Seven Individuals Charged in Drug and Firearm Investigation Centered on South Side of ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A drug and firearm investigation centered on the South Side of Chicago has resulted in federal criminal charges against seven individuals.
A superseding indictment returned by a grand jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago accuses the seven defendants of participating in a criminal conspiracy that utilized armed security to protect drug trafficking activities in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. The law enforcement investigation, led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Chicago Police Department, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Marshals Service, targeted an open-air marijuana market in the 1200 block of West 73rd Place in Chicago. Under the protection of the armed security, the defendants sold large quantities of marijuana in the area and stored drugs, guns, and cash in nearby houses, the indictment alleges. As part of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 2,000 pounds of marijuana, approximately 81 firearms, including five assault-style rifles, approximately $425,000 in cash, and jewelry valued at approximately $300,000.
Charged with federal drug conspiracy are KEJUAN BRYANT, 31, of Chicago, JAMARI GOODMAN, 29, of Chicago, JOSEPH ALBERT HEATH, 32, of Chicago, MATTHEW FURDGE, 22, of Chicago, KEWANN WHITAKER, 32, of Chicago, IGOR DZE, 44, of Miami Beach, Fla., and KHIRY STRICKLAND, 34, of Lemont, Ill. Bryant faces an individual drug distribution count and is also charged, along with Goodman and Heath, with illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Most of the defendants were arrested last week and have made their initial appearances in federal court in Chicago.
In addition to the federal charges, 15 individuals were charged in state court as a result of this investigation.
The federal charges were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division, Larry Snelling, Superintendent of CPD, Dai Tran, Special Agent-in-Charge of the USSS Chicago Field Office, and LaDon A. Reynolds, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force (HIDTA) and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schied represents the government in the federal cases.
The federal superseding indictment is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, among other areas of focus. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The drug conspiracy charge is punishable by up to life in federal prison for Bryant, and up to forty years for Goodman, Furdge, Whitaker, Dze, and Strickland. The firearm charge against Bryant, Goodman, and Heath carries a maximum sentence of life, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years per defendant. The individual drug distribution count against Bryant is punishable by up to 20 years.
bryant_et_al_superseding_indictment.pdfSalvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Arsenio Valladares, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2025. Valladares was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025.
Valladares was deported from the United States on or about April 23, 2008. Sometime after his removal, Valladares illegally reentered the United States without permission.
Prior to his removal, Valladares was convicted of offenses including assault and battery with a deadly weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery, operating under the influence, larceny and malicious destruction of property. In November 2024, federal immigration authorities became aware of Valadares’ presence in the United States after being notified that his fingerprints were taken in connection with criminal charges in Massachusetts. Valladares was detained by immigration authorities on March 18, 2025.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Benjamin is prosecuting the case.
Repeat Sex Trafficker Is Sentenced to 27 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Yusef Reynolds, 34, formerly of Delaware, was sentenced today to 27 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, or coercion, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Reynolds was on supervised release for a prior federal sex trafficking conviction in Delaware when he met and lured the underage victim, forcing her to engage in commercial sex.
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings, of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
“Today’s lengthy sentence is appropriate for a defendant who while on supervised release for sex trafficking a minor engaged in the same behavior—using violence and physical abuse to control a minor and force her to engage in sexual acts for his profit,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “I am proud of the hard work of my office to protect children and hold accountable those who prey on them.”
“After serving federal prison time for sex trafficking an underage girl, Yusef Reynolds went right back to his predatory ways. Once again, he lured a victim through social media and exploited her for his own profit. The FBI will continue to work with our partners and prioritize punishing those who abuse children,” said Special Agent in Charge Barnacle.
According to court documents, in 2012, Reynolds was convicted of federal charges for sex trafficking a minor and illegal possession of firearms in Delaware and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Reynolds was released in 2021 and was placed under federal supervision. Court records show that, from December 2021 through January 2022, while on federal supervised release, Reynolds sex trafficked a 16-year-old runaway from Massachusetts he met online. According to court documents, Reynolds used Facebook to contact the minor, who at the time was in North Carolina. Using promises of a better life to lure the victim, Reynolds convinced her to join him in Delaware even though he knew the victim was underage.
Filed court documents show that Reynolds sent two other individuals to pick up the minor victim and bring her to Delaware. Once there, Reynolds immediately began to sex traffic the minor. Reynolds took pictures of the minor and posted them on a website advertising for commercial sex. After that, Reynolds, either himself or through other individuals he knew or controlled, booked commercial sex appointments for the victim and took all the money the victim earned from the sexual encounters. During that time, Reynolds used a combination of physical and sexual violence, threats, and verbal abuse to force the victim to engage in commercial sex acts and plied the victim with drugs to further coerce her to continue to engage in the commercial sex trade.
On March 29, 2024, Reynolds pleaded guilty to sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, or coercion. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force for its investigative work and thanked CMPD and the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, both task force members, for their coordination and partnership with the FBI, which led to today’s outcome. FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces operate in nearly every FBI field office. The most effective way to investigate human trafficking is through a collaborative, multi-agency approach among federal, state, local, and tribal partners. The ultimate goal of the task forces is to recover victims and investigate traffickers at the state and federal level.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Rensselaer Man Indicted for Conspiring to Possess and Possessing 3 Kilos of CocaineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Angel Madera, age 30, of Rensselaer, New York, was ordered detained pending trial last week on an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The charges filed against Madera carry a mandatory prison sentence of between 5 and 40 years; a fine of up to $5,000,000; and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “The defendant is charged with bringing significant quantities of dangerous drugs from New York City to be distributed in the Capital District. Narcotics have been ravaging our society and here in the Northern District of New York, if you are arrested for distributing narcotics or possessing them with the intent to distribute, regardless of the quantity, you will face the highest possible punishment the law provides.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: "As alleged, Mr. Madera trafficked dangerous drugs into the Capital Region with the intention of selling them in our communities. The FBI will continue to do everything we can to stop the sale of illicit narcotics in our streets and keep our communities safe.”
The indictment charges Madera with conspiring with another person, Daval Byrams, to bring cocaine from New York City to the Capital District for further distribution. On March 11, 2025, three bricks of cocaine, weighing one kilogram each were recovered from Byrams as he and Madera exited a bus together in Schenectady. Byrams pled guilty earlier this month to possessing the three kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Byrams sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2025.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to A Total of Twelve Years for Possession of Single Image of Child Pornography While on Supervised Release for Prior Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Damian Quillinan, age 50, of Broadalbin, New York, was sentenced last week to a total of twelve years’ incarceration for possession of a single image of child sexual exploitation material while under post-release supervision for prior child pornography offenses. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone, III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Buffalo, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
“One image is all it takes,” said U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “We will relentlessly pursue justice against those who exploit children. We thank the U.S. Probation Office and HSI for catching this sick individual and immediately putting him back where he belongs – in custody.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: "The defendant, a registered sex offender, exploited technology for his own perverse desires and explicit crimes. Together with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York and our law enforcement partners, HSI Albany will not stand idly by as child predators seek new ways to target our most vulnerable communities."
This past January, Quillinan pled guilty to possession of child pornography while serving a lifetime of supervised release for prior convictions for receipt and possession of child pornography and admitted to violating the terms of his supervised release by committing the new offense and by possessing unauthorized internet-capable devices. According to the plea agreement and documents previously filed in the case, Quillinan is a level 2 registered sex offender in the State of New York, stemming from his 2017 convictions in the Northern District of New York for multiple counts of receipt and possession of child pornography.
In January 2024, shortly after being released from incarceration on those offenses, Quillinan manipulated a video of a prepubescent minor he obtained over the internet to create a lascivious image of the minor’s genitalia, which he then possessed on a tablet until it was seized by law enforcement during a search of his residence in September 2024. Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Quillinan to 10 years’ incarceration for the new conviction and a consecutive sentence of 2 years’ incarceration for the violation of his supervised release. Quillinan was also ordered to forfeit the tablet used in connection with the offense, to serve 20 years of supervised release following release from prison and will be required to continue to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by HSI with the assistance of the U.S. Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Placerville Felon Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Richard Clifton Turner, 62, of Placerville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to 16 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, agents executed a federal search warrant at Turner’s residence in Placerville. During the authorized search, agents located over 40 pounds of methamphetamine. Agents also located six firearms, including one previously reported as stolen. Turner is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has five prior felony convictions, including a conviction for vehicle theft and drug trafficking offenses.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.
This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Donald Brown (34, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child sex abuse material. Brown faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2025. Brown has agreed to forfeitthe electronic devices which were seized from his home pursuant to a search warrant.
According to the plea agreement, on January 27, 2023, Brown shared a child sex abuse video that was playing on one of his screens with another individual over the internet via an online website that randomly pairs strangers for one-on-one chat sessions and calls.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Douglas Lee Brown, also known as “Wiggles,” 56, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested Brown on domestic battery and wanton endangerment warrants in Huntington and found he possessed a loaded Taurus model G2C 9mm pistol in his waistband. Officers determined the firearm was reported stolen.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Brown knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for burglary in Franklin County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court on November 15, 2012.
Brown has a long criminal history and was on a term of supervision as a result of the burglary conviction at the time of the current offense.
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-168.
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Northeast Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Armed Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Georgia man with a lengthy criminal history in the Athens-Clarke County community and who was found guilty at trial of armed fentanyl trafficking was sentenced to serve 35 years in federal prison for his crime.
Dwan Maurice Hewlett, aka “LA,” 41, of Hull, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 420 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III on July 7. Hewlett was found guilty at trial on Feb. 26 of all six counts charged in the indictment: one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Armed career offenders distributing fentanyl in the Middle District of Georgia will face federal prosecution, which carries stiff penalties and no possibility of parole,” said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. “Cases like this highlight the strong collaboration between our office and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners as we work together to eliminate dangerous illegal substances from the communities we serve and hold repeat offenders accountable.”
"Cases like these exemplify the value of partnerships between local, state and federal agencies. This armed career criminal will no longer be selling the dangerous drug fentanyl in our community,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “I am incredibly proud of the ACCPD officers and detectives who worked with partnering agencies on this case. We will continue to prioritize keeping violent criminals out of our community. I want to thank our partners for their continuous efforts in keeping our community safe."
“The FBI works tirelessly to get dangerous criminals like Dwan Hewlett and the drugs he sold off the streets of Georgia,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “Hewlett will now have a long time in prison to consider his past actions.”
“Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Atlanta Division. “The success of this investigation is proof that those destroying our communities with drugs and violence will be held accountable.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) detectives had a confidential informant place a phone call to Hewlett to purchase fentanyl. Hewlett agreed to meet the informant at an Athens gas station on Danielsville Road. When Hewlett arrived at the gas station, ACCPD officers boxed his vehicle in and exited their undercover vehicles wearing "POLICE" marked body armor. Officers gave loud commands for Hewlett to exit his car. Hewlett looked up and saw the police. He immediately began making furtive movements, reaching under the seat. He then exited his vehicle, ignored the verbal commands and started running toward Danielsville Road at the intersection of Freeman Drive. Hewlett was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.
Officers searched his vehicle and found a .380 pistol under the driver’s seat where Hewlett was seen reaching, and numerous tied corner baggies containing fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine for distribution. In all, officers found 133.51 grams of fentanyl, 58.31 grams of methamphetamine, 9.783 grams of cocaine and 16 grams of cocaine base. A search of Hewlett’s cell phones located in the car contained many drug-related messages and photos, which revealed that Hewlett conspired with others to distribute two kilograms of fentanyl just days prior to his arrest. Hewlett has a lengthy prior criminal history, which includes three prior convictions in the Clarke County Superior Court for serious drug offenses and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, with assistance from the FBI Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the DEA and the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison prosecuted the case for the Government.
North Versailles Felon Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of North Versailles, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 121 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Keion Washington, 25.
According to information presented to the Court, on February 7, 2024, Washington was driving a vehicle associated with an incident that occurred a few days prior. When law enforcement officers tried to stop the car, Washington initially drove off, then exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Law enforcement officers found a stolen rifle in the car, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Wiegand stated that the sentence took into account the nature of the offense and Washington’s criminal history, including the fact that Washington had been convicted of two prior controlled substances felony offenses.
Assistant United States Attorneys DeMarr W. Moulton and Jacqueline C. Brown prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Washington.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Making False Statements Under Oath in a Bankruptcy CaseRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Travis Lee Harry, 40, of Kernersville, North Carolina, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, including 90 days on home detention, and fined $4,000 with interest for making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy case.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Harry had owned and lived in a house in Princeton, West Virginia, which he sold on December 23, 2019. On February 5, 2020, Harry filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. On the Statement of Financial Affairs he submitted as part of the bankruptcy filing, and which he signed under penalty of perjury, Harry falsely stated that he and his spouse co-owned the house and sold it together. At a March 6, 2020, meeting of creditors as part of the bankruptcy proceeding, Harry falsely testified under oath that he had co-owned the house with his spouse. Harry admitted as part of his guilty plea that he solely owned the house, and that his spouse was never a co-owner. Harry further admitted that he falsely indicated during the creditors’ meeting that all of the proceeds from selling the house went to pay taxes.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-143.
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Mexican man sentenced for possessing fraudulent immigration documentRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 121 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Luis Alberto Vega-Lili, 57, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of use or possession of fraudulent immigration document.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 11, 2025, Vega-Lili was found on a train in Havre. When he spoke to the Border Patrol agent, he acknowledged his Mexican citizenship and that he did not have immigration paperwork that would allow him to enter or remain in the United States. He provided a Mexican passport that was issued in North Carolina. In 2008, he submitted an incomplete application for naturalization because he was married to a United States citizen, but she passed away. During a secondary security search of Vega-Lili’s cell, agents found a fraudulent social security card and fraudulent permanent resident card in the sole of his boot. The permanent resident card contained information belonging to a person from India who was born in 1973 and living in Texas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Mexican man sentenced for possessing fraudulent immigration documentRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who possessed fraudulent immigration documentation was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 131 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Francisco Alcocer-Sanchez, 62, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of use or possession of fraudulent immigration document.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on February 28, 2025, Alcocer-Sanchez was arrested by local law enforcement in Fairview, Montana/McKenzie County, North Dakota during a DUI stop. He provided an expired licensed permanent resident (LPR) card bearing his picture, but another name and alien number. Law enforcement noticed the LPR card was missing security features. On March 1, 2025, law enforcement verified Alcocer-Sanchez’s true identity and his prior removal from the United States. He later acknowledged his Mexican citizenship and his illegal status in the United States.
Alcocer-Sanchez’s immigration history shows he was granted status as a Lawful Permanent Resident on February 12, 1991, but that status was revoked on June 25, 1998, following his conviction for importing cocaine, an aggravated felony. There is no record he applied for readmission into the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Fairview Police Department and McKenzie North Dakota Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Mexican man sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to a sentence of time served of 73 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jose Luz Rojas-Flores, 35, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Rojas-Flores was first removed from the United States in April 2012. He also was removed in November 2013 after serving a 30-day sentence for illegal entry and in April 2015 after serving a 60-day sentence for illegal entry.
On April 26, 2025, the Havre Police Department requested assistance with a traffic stop where five individuals were encountered. None of them spoke English and all presented Mexican identification documents. Rojas-Flores presented a Mexican Voter Identification card but no documents permitting him to enter or remain in the United States. Later, he admitted he last crossed into the United States in January 2020 near El Paso, Texas.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and Havre Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Mexican National with Five Prior Deportations Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced today by United States District Judge James C. Mahan to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed from the country on five prior occasions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Santos Esparza-Torres was found by immigration officials, after he was previously deported on or about October 29, 2005, September 18, 2008, September 24, 2019, January 17, 2020, and April 16, 2020. Esparza-Torres came into ICE custody in 2024, while serving a state sentence on a conviction for conspiracy to violate uniform controlled substances act. Esparza-Torres will be eligible for parole on his state drug conviction in March of 2026, and will then serve his 24-month Federal sentence.
Esparza-Torres pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. This was his second such conviction, as he was convicted in 2020 in the Southern District of California for the same crime.
United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Jason Knight made the announcement.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
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Merced Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Richard Charles Thomas Jr., 42, of Merced was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 15 years and eight months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 25, 2020, when a law enforcement officer attempted stop Thomas for a traffic violation, he accelerated and engaged in a high-speed chase through residential streets of Merced. During the chase, he reached speeds of 100 miles per hour, drove on the wrong side of the road, sped past stop signs, and tossed a bag out his car’s window.
Law enforcement officers eventually caught Thomas after he abandoned his still-moving car and fled on foot. They also recovered the bag, which contained several thousand dollars in cash and nearly 2 pounds of methamphetamine with 99% purity.
This case was the product of an investigation by the Merced Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez and Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.
Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court Following Robbery of a Montgomery Dry Cleaner BusinessRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that Zedekiah Sykes, 58, of Montgomery, Alabama, has pleaded guilty to his role in the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery dry cleaning business. Sykes entered his guilty plea in federal court on July 3, 2025.
According to court records and Sykes’s plea agreement, on March 10, 2025, Sykes and three accomplices forced their way into the business, located on East South Street in Montgomery. The group shattered the front door with a rock to gain entry.
Once inside, the assailants confronted the business owner and forced him into an office that housed a locked safe. One of the individuals brandished what appeared to be a handgun—later determined to be a BB gun—and demanded the owner open the safe. When the owner hesitated, struggling to recall the combination, one of the assailants struck him in the left eye, causing visible bruising and swelling. The group eventually gained access to the safe and stole approximately $8,000 in cash.
The robbers then restrained the owner by zip-tying his hands and feet, then stole his cell phone and car keys. Sykes and the others fled the scene in the owner’s vehicle using the stolen keys.
Sykes pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, a federal offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the coming months.
In a related development, on May 27, 2025, Spencer Thomas, 57, of Prattville, Alabama, was arrested and subsequently indicted for his involvement in the same robbery. An indictment is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Task Force investigated this case, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Longtime Employee of Harford County Maryland Manufacturer Sentenced to Federal Prison for $29 Million Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Eugene Andrew DiNoto, 54, of Bel Air, Maryland, to federal prison. DiNoto received concurrent sentences of 70 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and engaging in an illegal monetary transaction and 64 months for tax evasion, followed by three years of supervise release. These charges are in connection with DiNoto’s embezzlement and kickback scheme in which he defrauded his employer of more than $29 million.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington Field Office.
According to his guilty plea, DiNoto was a longtime employee of Company 1, a family-owned global business headquartered in New York, but with manufacturing facilities located in Belcamp and Abingdon, Maryland, both in Harford County. Beginning in 2012, DiNoto and another employee, Elliott Kleinman, started taking advantage of their management positions at Company 1 to execute a fraudulent billing scheme. Through the scheme, they received illegal kickbacks from various drum vendors that conducted business with Company 1, which used drums to store and transport its products.
Anthony P. Urcioli, Sr., 81, of Park Ridge, New Jersey, was the owner and president of Tunnel, Barrel & Drum Co, Inc. (TBD), located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, and of another drum supply company, Hartford Fibre Drum, Inc. (Hartford). Both companies did business with Company 1. After TBD became a drum supplier to Company 1, DiNoto and Kleinman entered an arrangement with Urcioli that permitted TBD to continue selling drums to Company 1 if Urcioli agreed to fraudulently invoice Company 1 for more drums than TBD actually sold and delivered to the company. Urcioli agreed to participate in the false billing scheme and split the extra money that Company 1 paid TBD for the made-up drum deliveries with DiNoto.
From approximately January 2012 until January 31, 2020, DiNoto contacted Urcioli at least once per week to discuss the number and type of drums that he actually wanted delivered to Company 1’s Maryland facilities. During the same conversations, DiNoto told Urcioli how many additional drums to charge, but not deliver to Company 1 from TBD, and later from Hartford. After Urcioli created the invoices that fraudulently billed Company 1 for both delivered and undelivered drums, DiNoto approved the invoices and sent them to Company 1’s headquarters for payment.
Urcioli also created handwritten purchase order tickets that summarized the breakdown of actual and bogus drum orders and a breakdown of how the kickback amounts were calculated. Urcioli would put a copy of the purchase order ticket in an envelope along with DiNoto’s and Kleinman’s share of the kickback amount payable via checks from TBD and Hartford. Then he would send the envelope to their personal residences in Harford County, Maryland.
Sometimes, the invoices were not written as DiNoto instructed, so he called Urcioli to tell him to send a corrected invoice. Occasionally, DiNoto corrected an arithmetic mistake on Urcioli’s purchase order ticket, took a photograph of the changes he made to the ticket, and then emailed the corrected ticket back to Urcioli.
Urcioli wanted to pay the kickbacks to DiNoto and Kleinman by check so the payments looked like payments to drum wholesalers and would be deductible as a cost of goods sold on TBD’s tax returns. DiNoto told Urcioli to make his kickback checks payable to a company linked to DiNoto called “Sandpiper Enterprises.” Kleinman advised that he wanted his kickback checks payable to a company he formed called “EDK Management, LTD.” Urcioli agreed, and in addition to making the kickback checks drawn on TBD and Hartford accounts payable to those companies, Urcioli wrote the word “drums” on the checks to further the pretense of legitimate purchases.
DiNoto admitted that even though Sandpiper Enterprises was not engaged in any business, he maintained a commercial bank account for Sandpiper Enterprises at a local financial institution, where he deposited all the kickback checks he received. Before accessing the criminal proceeds, DiNoto routinely transferred all or part of the money into one of the personal bank accounts he maintained at the same bank. DiNoto then withdrew the funds from his personal account or wrote a personal check against the balance.
Between January 2012 and January 2020, DiNoto falsely invoiced Company 1 a total of $20,300,757. TBD and Hartford kept half of that amount while the remaining funds were sent to DiNoto and Kleinman. DiNoto’s share of the kickbacks was approximately $7,071,106. Over the same eight-year period, DiNoto used drum vendors other than TBD and Hartford to execute his scheme to defraud Company 1. On behalf of the other vendors, DiNoto submitted and approved invoices totaling approximately $9,197,181, resulting in a total loss of approximately $29,497,938 to Company 1.
From 2017 through 2019, none of the $7 million plus in kickbacks DiNoto received for his role in the fraudulent billing scheme appeared as income on his tax returns, resulting in a loss to the U.S. government of approximately $1,374,694.
Kleinman was previously sentenced to 42 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Urcioli was previously sentenced to time served and 12 months of supervised release. Both Kleinman and Urcioli were also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $19,300,757.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber and Joseph L. Wenner who prosecuted the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Kentucky Nurse Sentenced to Prison for Opioid Diversion SchemeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jacqueline Brewster, 55, of Belfry, Kentucky, was sentenced on Thursday, July 3, 2025, to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brewster was employed as a travel nurse at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley from September 2021 until February 2022. Brewster admitted that she unlawfully accessed and used individually identifiable health information of patients at Raleigh General Hospital to divert hydromorphone, an opioid, for her personal use.
To carry out her diversion scheme, Brewster fraudulently obtained the hydromorphone from automated controlled substance dispensing machines at Raleigh General Hospital. Brewster used her personal biometrics to access the machines and a patient’s individually identifiable health information to begin the process of checking out hydromorphone for that patient. Once the machine’s secure drawer opened, Brewster siphoned off a portion of hydromorphone from its vial and diluted what remained in the vial with another substance to make it appear full. Brewster then canceled or nulled the transaction to conceal her removal of the controlled substances.
Brewster admitted that she carried out her scheme to use individually identifiable patient health information and steal hydromorphone under false pretenses and for personal gain many times from on or about September 17, 2021, through on or about February 1, 2022.
The West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses has indefinitely suspended Brewster’s privilege to practice nursing in West Virginia.
“Ensuring the integrity of the healthcare system is vital, as the diversion of medication within healthcare facilities undermines patient care and exposes patients to undue risk,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I commend the excellent investigative work of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration–Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) Metro Washington Field Office, and the valuable assistance provided by detectives from the West Virginia State Police and the Kentucky State Police.”
“Patients suffering from pain trust their health care providers to provide relief through effective and appropriately dosed medications,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ronald Dawkins, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice healthcare professionals who violate their position of trust by diverting their patients’ pain medications for their own use.”
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Brewster to two years in prison for obtaining a controlled substance by fraud and to three years in prison for wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information, with those terms to be served consecutively. The Court concluded that Brewster’s criminal conduct warranted an upward variance from the advisory guideline range of four to ten months in prison.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess and former Assistant United States Attorney Owen Reynolds prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-104.
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Jamaican National Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Aggravated Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Sarah Maud Jess, 62, a Jamaican national living in Capitol Heights, Maryland, pled guilty to two counts, distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl and re-entry of an alien removed after conviction for an aggravated felony.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to her guilty plea, Jess disseminated at least 40 grams of fentanyl in Maryland and elsewhere between at least November 2023 and October 2024. Jess distributed the fentanyl in the form of pressed fentanyl pills – round, light blue pills imprinted with “M30.” As part of the investigation, a DEA undercover (UC) agent purchased fentanyl pills from Jess. Law enforcement also seized fentanyl pills from her vehicle as she was en route to distribute to the UC and recovered additional fentanyl pills and a firearm from Jess’s residence. In total, law enforcement recovered more than 3,000 fentanyl pills, totaling more than 350 grams of fentanyl, from Jess.
During the investigation, on June 21, 2024, after coordinating with Jess via text message, the UC conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 600 fentanyl pills from Jess in a Greenbelt, Maryland restaurant parking lot for $3,600. Jess provided the UC with a black sock containing a clear plastic baggie with pills totaling more than 65 grams of fentanyl.
Then on September 4, the UC conducted another purchase of approximately 1,000 pills from Jess for $6,000. Jess again met the UC in the Greenbelt restaurant parking lot and provided the UC with a black sock containing a clear plastic baggie with fentanyl pills comprised of more than 100 grams of fentanyl.
On September 30, Jess texted the UC asking how many pills he or she wanted to purchase. Jess agreed to sell the UC 700 pills. Then on October 2, Jess and the UC spoke and arranged to meet at a Silver Spring, Maryland mall parking lot. Law enforcement officers surveilled Jess while she drove to the mall. As Jess drove to meet the UC, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop.
Law enforcement found the pills Jess intended to sell to the UC and took her into custody. Jess provided the officers with a fake driver’s license with a fake name and an address that was not her actual residence. However, law enforcement saw her visit that address during the investigation. While searching the vehicle, law enforcement officers recovered a black sock with a clear plastic baggie inside containing approximately 700 blue pills — weighing more than 75 grams of fentanyl — that Jess intended to distribute to the UC.
Additionally, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Jess’s residence. During the search, law enforcement discovered a plastic baggie containing 46 fentanyl pills — weighing more than five grams — and a handgun loaded with nine rounds of ammunition in Jess’s bedroom.
Throughout this timeframe, Jess was an alien illegally in the United States. Jess was previously convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Based on the conviction for an aggravated felony, Jess was previously removed from the United States after proceedings before an immigration judge. As part of her removal, Jess was advised that she was permanently excluded from re-entering the United States because of her prior conviction.
Jess voluntarily and unlawfully re-entered the United States without inspection or permission. She never sought nor obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for re-admission.
Jess faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison for the fentanyl charge. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for the illegal re-entry charge.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, at 2 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, the DEA, FBI, MCPD, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Nicholas Potter who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Illinois Man Pleads Guilty and Pennsylvania Man is Sentenced in Separate Schemes to Transport Contraband into FCI McDowell with DronesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Today, Francisco Alejandro Gonzalez, 24, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit the felony crime of attempting to introduce contraband into a federal prison and Gamalier Rivera, 33, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to three years of federal probation, including two months on home detention, for aiding and abetting the introduction of contraband into a federal prison. Gonzalez and Rivera each admitted to their roles in separate schemes to deliver contraband into Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell using drones.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 1, 2024, Gonzalez traveled on foot with co-defendant Miguel Angel Aleman-Piceno to the fence surrounding FCI McDowell. Gonzalez and Aleman-Piceno possessed a backpack and a duffle bag containing a drone and two camouflaged packages containing four cell phones, chargers, phone cards, marijuana, and tobacco. As part of his guilty plea, Gonzalez admitted that they intended to fly the packages onto the grounds of FCI McDowell using the drone, and were stopped by law enforcement as they prepared to launch the drone.
Gonzalez further admitted to traveling to McDowell County, West Virginia, from Chicago with Aleman-Piceno and co-defendant Arturo Joel Gallegos. Gonzalez also admitted that he and his two co-defendants stayed an area motel where law enforcement seized marijuana, tobacco and materials used to make the camouflaged packages.
Gonzalez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Aleman-Piceno, 22, of Chicago, Illinois, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025, to conspiracy to commit the felony crime of attempting to introduce contraband into a federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2025. The indictment against Gallegos, 26, of Chicago, remains pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On February 9, 2024, correctional officers at FCI McDowell detected a drone flying over the prison facility. The flight path of the drone took it from the fence securing the prison facility to a cell in one of the housing units. Officers searched the cell and found a broken exterior window, numerous cell phones, tobacco, and marijuana within the cell.
Officers traced the flight path back to the drone’s launch site, where they found and apprehended Rivera and co-defendants Hector Luis Gomez DeJesus and Raymond Luis Saez Aviles. Officer seized the drone, the drone’s remote controller, and contraband consistent with what was found in the cell.
As part of his guilty plea, Rivera admitted that he, DeJesus, and Aviles participated in the introduction of the contraband into FCI McDowell by using the drone to transport marijuana, tobacco, and cell phones into the prison facility. Rivera further admitted that he expected to be paid for his participation in the contraband introduction.
DeJesus, 32, of Sanford, North Carolina, and Aviles, 37, of Poinciana, Florida, each pleaded guilty on April 29, 2025, to aiding and abetting the introduction of contraband into a federal prison and are scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is prosecuting the cases.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-126 (Gonzalez) and 1:24-cr-127 (Rivera).
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Robert Curtis Denham, also known as “Reala Deala” and “RD,” 36, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 30, 2024, Denham sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Huntington apartment. As part of his guilty plea, Denham admitted to conducting the transaction and to arranging it beforehand. Denham further admitted that additional quantities of fentanyl are attributable to him as relevant criminal conduct.
Denham is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-47.
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Honduran man sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who entered the country illegally was sentenced today to sentence of time served of 74 days in prison and remanded to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Enys Jose Rosales-Lara, 39, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 23, 2025, law enforcement observed a vehicle in Havre and conducted a traffic stop. Rosales-Lara was in the back seat of the vehicle. He presented investigators with a Honduran Identification Card, possessed no other identification documents, and was taken into custody. He admitted he entered the United States most recently on September 17, 2023, near El Paso, Texas. He also admitted he had no petitions or lawful right to remain in the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol and Havre Police Department.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Harlem man pleads guilty to sex abuse charges on the Fort Belknap Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Harlem man accused of sexual abuse on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Ross Vincent Dale, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. Dale faces maximum penalties of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing has been set November 5, 2025. Dale was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in January 2022, Jane Doe was taken to Benefis in Great Falls for a sexual assault examination. Doe alleged she was sexually abused by the Ross Dale on New Year’s Eve or in the early morning hours of New Year’s day, 2021-2022.
Doe lived with her grandmother/guardian at the time. On New Year’s Eve, Doe’s grandmother and aunt traveled to Wolf Point, leaving Doe at the house alone. Dale contacted her on New Year’s Eve and brought alcohol. Doe took a video of herself and Dale drinking. At some point, Doe must have passed out because she woke up in her bed to her headboard banging against the wall. Dale was behind her, vaginally raping her. She tried to remain calm until he finally left the house. She told her grandmother immediately upon her return home from Wolf Point.
Dale was interviewed. Although he claimed he was not in Harlem but in Billings with his kids on New Year’s Eve, DNA testing resulted in his DNA being found in Doe’s underwear, extracted from semen that was present on Doe’s underwear.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Myers prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Greenup County Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – A Flatwoods, Ky., man, Geoffrey Potts, 25, was sentenced on Monday by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning to 114 months in prison, for receiving child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, in March 2024, law enforcement received information that a user was downloading child pornography, and linked the user’s IP address with Potts’ residence. Law enforcement searched Potts’ cellphone and found numerous images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been downloaded via the internet. In total, over 219 images and 45 videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were located on Potts’ cellphone.
Under federal law, Potts must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division; Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and W. Todd Kelley, Chief of the Ashland Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, KSP, and Ashland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Evading Security Requirements at Philadelphia International AirportRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that David Easley, 39, of Georgia, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Gail A. Weilheimer to one count of evading airport security.
The defendant was charged by information in May of this year, arising from his use of the identification badge of an airline employee to access a secured, sterile area of Philadelphia International Airport, knowingly and willfully bypassing airport security. Easley has never been employed at the Philadelphia International Airport.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on March 9, 2024, Easley was a ticketed domestic airline passenger, scheduled to fly from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Georgia, on a flight departing at 7:05 p.m. At approximately 6:35 p.m., video surveillance captured Easley using an airport Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge belonging to an airport employee, typing a passcode on the keypad, and gaining access through the secure doors leading from the public side of the airport ticketing area to the secure area of the airport.
The defendant entered a restricted area for employees that is between the public, pre-security ticketing area and the public, post-security “sterile” terminal. Easley did not go through TSA screening before entering this secure area.
Easley then used another door to enter the public “sterile” terminal area of the airport, that being the area where screened passengers have access to board their flights. The TSA encountered Easley while conducting random security inspections to prevent prohibited items and unauthorized individuals from accessing the sterile area.
Easley is scheduled to be sentenced on October 28, 2025.
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya De Souza.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry After Multiple Prior RemovalsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Frizli Merari Miguel-Martinez, 35, of Guatemala, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for Illegal Reentry by a Removed Alien. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The defendant not only repeatedly violated our national laws by illegally entering our country, he also committed numerous crimes while here. President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have promised to Take Back America by making the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws a top priority, and my office will continue to aggressively pursue these cases to ensure habitual illegal alien offenders are prosecuted, punished, and then swiftly removed from our country.”
On April 14, 2025, a deputy with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Miguel-Martinez pursuant to a traffic stop. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) subsequently determined that Miguel-Martinez, a native and citizen of Guatemala, was illegally present in the United States. Miguel-Martinez had previously been removed from the United States once in 2017 and twice in 2019 for his illegal presence in this country. During his stints in the United States, Miguel-Martinez acquired a long history of traffic offenses including convictions for leaving the scene of an accident, failure to appear, and providing false information to law enforcement on multiple occasions. Miguel-Martinez was previously convicted for Illegal Reentry in the Northern District of Florida and for Illegal Entry in the District of Arizona.
An ICE detainer has been lodged against Miguel-Martinez, and he will begin deportation proceedings after he serves his federal prison term. The imprisonment sentence will be followed by a one-year term of supervised release, meaning if he returns to the United States during such timeframe, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
The case involved a joint investigation between ICE’s operational directorates, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Four Michigan Businesses Pay $1.9 Million to Settle Allegations That They Unlawfully Obtained Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
DETROIT – United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced today that the United States has reached civil agreements with four Michigan companies to collectively pay $1,933,448 to settle allegations that the businesses violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by making false statements to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which the businesses were ineligible.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. Regulations imposed various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including exclusions for borrowers with certain types of criminal histories, particularly those related to financial felonies, such as tax evasion. In their loan applications, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the PPP and that the information they provided was accurate.
Your Fantasy Warehouse, Inc., Ugly Christmas Sweater, Inc., and Costume Agent, Inc. collectively obtained four PPP loans and loan forgiveness totaling $504,482.00. The United States contended that these businesses falsely certified to the SBA that they were eligible for the loans because their owner, Firas Hajjar, failed to disclose that he had, within the preceding five years, pleaded guilty to felony tax evasion. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/michigan-business-owner-pleads-guilty-tax-evasion-0
Separately, Delta Staffing LLC obtained two PPP loans and loan forgiveness totaling $462,241.92. The United States contended that these businesses falsely certified to the SBA that they were eligible for the PPP loans because their owner, Bradley McKouen, failed to disclosue that he had, within the preceding five years, been placed on supervised release as a result of his prior conviction for felony tax evasion. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmi/pr/clarkston-man-sentenced-tax-evasion
“When you steal from the American taxpayer, we are going to make sure that you are the one who pays the price,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The civil settlements resolved a sealed lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam lawsuit has been unsealed and is captioned U.S. ex rel. Forsyth v. Firas Hajjar, et al., No. 2:22-cv-11432. The whistleblower will receive 15% of the total settlement amount.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Gentner from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Former bank employee arrested, charged with illegally accessing customer accounts and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollarsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Damani Brown, 28, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud and conspiracy to commit access device fraud, computer fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in August 2024, a Rochester area bank reported to the FBI that, over a couple of weeks in July and August, someone accessed the online accounts of approximately 12 customers and transferred funds out of those accounts. Following an internal review, the bank determined that Brown, a bank employee, used his employee credentials to look up each of the victim accounts around the time that the accounts were unlawfully accessed. Brown was able to see whether the victim customers had ever registered their online accounts, their bank member number and social security number. Shortly after Brown performed a lookup, a co-conspirator registered the victim customer’s online account.
In total, Brown and/or his co-conspirator transferred approximately $477,000 from the 12 accounts without the knowledge or consent of the customers. The money was transferred to other, third-party accounts at the bank, and ultimately, approximately $327,000 was withdrawn as cash from various local branches or funds were transferred through CashApp. Within a few days of these fraudulent transfers, a number of the victims contacted the bank to report the unauthorized activity on their accounts.
In January 2025, the FBI obtained a warrant to search Google Accounts associated with the thefts. Investigators recovered verification emails sent from the bank containing one-time password codes and notification emails sent from the bank with updates regarding the online accounts, including email updates, password resets, and account freezes.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Former Northridge Insurance Agent Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Prison for $3.7 Million Fine Art Insurance Policy ScamRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Nevada woman was sentenced today to 50 months in federal prison for defrauding a lender out of $3.7 million by submitting bogus applications for fine art insurance policies for commercial clients, but instead using the money for herself.
Tonja Van Roy, 59, of Las Vegas, but who formerly operated a Northridge-based insurance agency, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson, who also ordered her to pay $1,880,237 in restitution.
Van Roy pleaded guilty on January 6 to one count of wire fraud.
According to court documents, Van Roy owned and ran Pegasus Insurance, a Northridge company that specialized in insurance policies covering art collections. From January 2021 to December 2023, Van Roy created and submitted dozens of fraudulent finance agreements to AFCO Credit Corp., a Lake Forest, Illinois-based provider of insurance premium finance, purportedly to finance insurance policies she claimed to have sold to art galleries.
Van Roy made up the insurance policy numbers she used and forged the electronic signatures for fictitious insureds. She used the borrowed money to fund her lifestyle, which included payments on dozens of credit cards. When the loans from AFCO came due, Van Roy submitted additional fraudulent finance agreements to AFCO, and used the proceeds from the new loans to make it appear as though the old loans had been repaid.
“[Van Roy] embarked on a sophisticated, multiyear scheme to borrow fraudulently over $3.7 million dollars using her insider’s knowledge of the insurance industry,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[She] has more than 25 years of experience working as an insurance agent, during which time she sold countless insurance policies and worked for many different insurance agencies before founding her own; she had an expert’s understanding of the industry, which allowed her to manipulate her victims and avoid detection for years.”
Homeland Security Investigations and the California Department of Insurance investigated this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Former Delaware Nurse Practitioner Resolves Health Care Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Acting U.S. Attorney Dylan J. Steinberg announced a civil settlement with Sandra Jackson, a former Delaware nurse practitioner who now resides in Florida, resolving allegations that she violated the False Claims Act by ordering medically unnecessary genetic testing and durable medical equipment for Medicare beneficiaries residing in Delaware. As a result of Jackson’s orders, Medicare paid approximately $520,000 for medically unnecessary testing and medical equipment.
Between September 2018 and April 2019, Jackson digitally signed hundreds of orders for medically unnecessary genetic testing and durable medical equipment for Delaware residents who she never physically examined and with whom she had no pre-existing provider-patient relationship. The orders Jackson signed contained information that was pre-populated by others. She signed the orders within seconds of opening them. Jackson did not provide any follow-up care to the beneficiaries for whom she ordered testing and equipment.
“Health care providers who authorize medically unnecessary testing and equipment waste taxpayer dollars,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “This office will continue to aggressively pursue providers whose medical decisions are guided by personal profit instead of individual patient care.”
“Providers that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws and regulations meant to protect the integrity of these programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG remains committed to promoting compliance in HHS programs and investigating alleged misconduct that target them."
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare and Affirmative Civil Enforcement Auditor David Cheung.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. A copy of the settlement agreement and agreed-upon statement of facts are attached to this press release.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Attachment:
jackson_settlement_agreement.pdfFinal Three Members Charged in Prolific Chinese Money Laundering Scheme Plead Guilty to Laundering Tens of Millions in Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
Two Chinese nationals and a New York woman, all members of a prolific Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO), pleaded guilty today to money laundering charges involving drug trafficking proceeds. They are the last of six total defendants charged in the indictment to plead guilty.
According to court documents, Enhua Fang, 38, and Jianfei Lu, 30, both of China, and Shu Jun Zhen, 36, of Staten Island, New York, were members of the CMLO that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico.
According to court documents, Fang was an organizer within the CMLO who directed a group of couriers to pick up bulk cash proceeds from unlawful activities, including narcotics trafficking, from individuals throughout the United States. The couriers then deposited these illicit funds, which generally exceeded $10,000, into shell company bank accounts controlled by the CMLO in order to conceal the nature of the illicit funds. Fang used multiple cellphones, changing phone numbers regularly, and several encrypted messaging applications to communicate with the CMLO’s foreign-based operatives and U.S.-based drug traffickers. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Fang admitted that she was personally responsible for laundering at least $90 million of illicit funds in less than two years. Fang further admitted that she knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Lu collected drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposited those illicit funds, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO. Lu also served as a manager for the CMLO: he coordinated bulk cash pickups and deposits while Fang was in China and procured fake driver’s licenses for the CMLO’s couriers, which were used to deposit illicit funds at major U.S. banks. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Lu admitted that he had actual knowledge and involvement in the laundering of between $25 million and $65 million in illicit funds. Lu further admitted that he knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds.
According to court documents, Zhen, at Fang’s and Lu’s direction, picked up and deposited — using both her real and fake identities — nearly $25 million of illicit bulk cash, including drug trafficking proceeds. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Zhen admitted that she knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking.
Fang and Zhen each pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and one count of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Lu pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000.
The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and money laundering counts and a maximum of 10 years in prison on each of the monetary transaction counts. A federal district court judge will determine their respective sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
All members of the CMLO charged to date have pleaded guilty, including the three who pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025; as a result, this particularly prolific cell within the CMLO has been completely dismantled.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, and Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.
The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.
Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang, Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth, and Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa for the Western District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Final Three Members Charged in Prolific Chinese Money Laundering Organization Plead Guilty to Laundering Tens of Millions in Drug ProceedsRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two Chinese nationals and a New York woman, all members of a prolific Chinese money laundering organization (CMLO), pleaded guilty today to money laundering charges involving drug trafficking proceeds, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. They are the last of six total defendants charged in the indictment to plead guilty.
According to court documents, Enhua Fang, 38, and Jianfei Lu, 30, both of China, and Shu Jun Zhen, 36, of Staten Island, New York, were members of the CMLO that laundered over $92 million in illicit funds, including proceeds from the importation and distribution of illegal drugs into the United States, primarily through Mexico.
According to court documents, Fang was an organizer within the CMLO who directed a group of couriers to pick up bulk cash proceeds from unlawful activities, including narcotics trafficking, from individuals throughout the United States. The couriers then deposited these illicit funds, which generally exceeded $10,000, into shell company bank accounts controlled by the CMLO in order to conceal the nature of the illicit funds. Fang used multiple cellphones, changing phone numbers regularly, and several encrypted messaging applications to communicate with the CMLO’s foreign-based operatives and U.S.-based drug traffickers. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Fang admitted that she was personally responsible for laundering at least $90 million of illicit funds in less than two years. Fang further admitted that she knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Lu collected drug trafficking proceeds from U.S.-based drug traffickers and deposited those illicit funds, using both real and fake identities, into shell company bank accounts registered by other members of the CMLO. Lu also served as a manager for the CMLO: he coordinated bulk cash pickups and deposits while Fang was in China and procured fake driver’s licenses for the CMLO’s couriers, which were used to deposit illicit funds at major U.S. banks. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Lu admitted that he had actual knowledge and involvement in the laundering of between $25 million and $65 million in illicit funds. Lu further admitted that he knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds.
According to court documents, Zhen, at Fang’s and Lu’s direction, picked up and deposited — using both her real and fake identities — nearly $25 million of illicit bulk cash, including drug trafficking proceeds. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Zhen admitted that she knew funds laundered in the conspiracy included drug trafficking proceeds or funds intended to promote drug trafficking.
Fang and Zhen each pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, one count of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and one count of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000. Lu pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy, two counts of money laundering to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the illicit proceeds, and two counts of monetary transaction involving criminally derived property greater than $10,000.
The defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and money laundering counts and a maximum of 10 years in prison on each of the monetary transaction counts. A federal district court judge will determine their respective sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
All members of the CMLO charged to date have pleaded guilty, including the three who pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025; as a result, this particularly prolific cell within the CMLO has been completely dismantled.
U.S. Attorney Ferguson is joined in making the announcement by Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division, and Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, IRS Criminal Investigation, Charlotte Field Office.
The DEA Charlotte District Office and the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa for the Western District of North Carolina, Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang, Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth, and Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Eight facing federal meth charges after two-week drug arrest and search operationRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – Following a two-week coordinated operation led by the FBI, eight individuals are facing federal charges for distributing meth or possession with intent to distribute in southern Illinois.
A federal grand jury charged:
- Sarah L. Elverd, 35, of Centralia, with one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of meth,
- Alan D. Fleming, 41, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth,
- John A. Fowler, 49, of Mount Vernon, with eight counts of distribution of meth,
- James B. Lockwood, 43, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth,
- Cedric R. Long, 32, of Bluford, with two counts of distribution of meth,
- Christopher L. Webb, 38, of Mount Vernon, with one count of possession with intent to distribute meth,
- Scott T. Miller, 40, of Centralia, with two counts of distribution of meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth,
- and Damion D. Thrailkill, 39, of Mount Vernon, with one count of distribution of meth.
“Dealers know how addictive and destructive meth is for users but choose to infect communities and place profits above people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
The arrests are the result of a multi-agency investigation targeting crime throughout southern Illinois in late May and early June. The investigations were spearheaded by the FBI Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force, a task force composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers dedicated to dismantling violent criminal networks and safeguarding the communities they serve.
“These arrests send a clear message,” said Karen Marinos, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Springfield Division. “We’re taking a more aggressive posture toward violent crime. No matter how remote the area or how insulated the group thinks it is—if you threaten the safety of our communities, we will act swiftly and decisively. This operation was only possible because of the strong coordination among our law enforcement partners—a partnership that grows stronger every day. When we work together with a unified mission, there’s nowhere left for violent criminals to hide.”
In addition, the task force arrested three individuals on state charges in Jefferson County.
- Janay Branch, of Mount Vernon, was charged and pled guilty to charges. Branch was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment on one count of conspiracy to distribute.
- Anthony Smith, of Mount Vernon, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute meth.
- Adrian E. Carruth Jr., of Mount Vernon, was charged with one count of meth
delivery 100-400 grams, possession of cocaine 15-100 grams and conspiracy to distribute meth.
Beyond making arrests, law enforcement executed a series of search warrants during this operational period and seized firearms, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cannabis and U.S. currency.
Indictments are merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Agencies assisting in the investigation and arrests include the U.S. Marshals Service’s Benton and East St. Louis Office, Carlyle Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff Office, Bond County Sheriff Office, Centralia Police Department, and the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Charges for the federally arrested individuals were filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow.